By Liz McBreen
The ceremony began at the gazebo, with an opening prayer and remarks. Residents then walked with lit candles towards the clock for the dedication.
Andy Thaw, a member of the Kiwanis Club, was the Master of Ceremonies for the tribute. "When we remember the horror of Sept. 11, we should also remember the outpouring of help and support that followed on Sept. 12, 13, 14 and so on," said Thaw. "That is when we showed everyone that we are the greatest nation in the world."
Thaw asked the families of the victims to come forward so that their neighbors could pay tribute to their lost loved ones. "We also thank the Police Officers and Firefighters for the magnificent job that they do every day."
Legislator Vincent Muscarella reflected on the memories that American citizens have carried with them over the past year. "We witnessed the best and worst of humanity that week. We grieved over what we saw, but we cannot let that grief consume us. What happened should also remind us of patriotism and charity that we witnessed during that same week. Ordinary citizens were thrust into an extraordinary situation, and they did great things."
Clergy from three West Hempstead churches were at the dedication to lead the crowd in prayer, and to put the tragedy in perspective for survivors.
Pastor Fred McEllery of Saint Andrew's Lutheran Church in West Hempstead shared two memories from Sept. 11 with the crowd, "I remember seeing a clock that had stopped at exactly 8:46, as well as a sign downtown that read 'No More Volunteers Needed.'" He explained that the clock the community had gathered to dedicate would serve as a symbol of hope for the future, and of the good that came out of such a horrific event.
McEllery asked West Hempsteaders for a moment of silence to remember those from their town who perished, all those who were able to return to their homes because of the brave efforts of rescuers, and the people who continue to protect this country and its citizens.
Pastor Ray Lorthoir of Holy Trinity Church asked residents to pray for those who were lost, and also those who witnessed that day first hand and wonder why they were saved. "War is uneven," said Lorthoir. "There are always people who have to bear more than others."
"What happened on Sept. 11 was claimed to have been done in the name of religion, but it was actually a perversion of religion," said Msgr. James Lisante of St. Thomas the Apostle Church.
The clock, which has been placed near the Nassau Boulevard entrance to the park, was surrounded with pictures of the WH residents who were lost. After the flag was lowered to half mast, and the Star Spangled Banner was played, the names of the victims were read, a bell tolling after each.
"We have a long way to go in terms of this war on terrorism, and events such as this are important. They keep our minds on what is at stake," said one West Hempstead resident.
George Silkes, President of the Kiwanis Club said that the memorial will serve as a reminder of those who were lost, and of their courage in a time of terror.
Assemblyman Tom Alfano also thanked the Kiwanis and the community. "The clock is a lasting memorial and we can't thank them enough."
Chaplain Kevin Moran, of American Legion Post 1087, was impressed by the ceremony, "it was well-organized, the speakers were very articulate, and the weather held out. We couldn't ask for much more."
Thaw, the person behind the Hall's Pond Park Tribute, said that the memorial was made possible by Community in Concert, a concert held in November of last year at the high school. Businesses and individual benefactors also donated to the cause.
"Nassau County will finish the memorial park in the spring by installing benches, a brick pathway near the memorial sight, and a full garden, which will be kept up by the county," said Thaw. He explained that both the concert and the dedication ceremony were meant to show the families of the victims that the community remembers their loved ones and what they sacrificed.
